Police in Mpumalanga have arrested a 51-year-old man and rescued 18 minors from an alleged illegal initiation school in Vosman following the disappearance of a 16-year-old boy.

The suspect was arrested on 23 May on charges related to contravention of the Customary Initiation Act and extortion after police launched an investigation into the teenager’s disappearance.

According to police, the boy was allegedly recruited to the initiation school on 22 May without the consent of his parents. The child’s mother reportedly received a phone call from the school principal informing her that her son had already been admitted.

When she requested that her child be released, she was allegedly told to provide groceries and pay money for initiation-related expenses before he could return home.

The distressed mother reported the matter to the Vosman SAPS, prompting the activation of the specialised “Ingoma Task Team”, which investigates initiation school-related cases.

Police investigations led officers to the initiation school, where they found the missing teenager. By that stage, the boy had already undergone initiation.

During the operation, officers discovered that 17 other boys, aged between 14 and 17, were also being kept at the school without the consent of their parents.

All 18 minors were removed from the facility and safely reunited with their families.

Police arrested the school’s alleged right-hand man, while investigations into the operation of the initiation school continue. Authorities have indicated that additional charges may be added as more evidence emerges.

The suspect was expected to appear in the Emalahleni Magistrate’s Court on Tuesday, 26 May.

Acting Provincial Police Commissioner Major General Dr Zeph Mkhwanazi issued a stern warning to initiation school operators who ignore the law.

He said principals and organisers of initiation schools must not recruit or keep children without the permission of their parents or legal guardians.

Mkhwanazi stressed that anyone found violating the law would face serious consequences.

Police have urged communities to report suspected illegal initiation schools and any incidents involving minors being taken without parental consent.

The rescue comes as authorities intensify efforts to ensure initiation practices are conducted legally, safely and with the full involvement of parents and guardians.